Dive Tables

[kevink]

If you can effectively demonstrate how to use the wheel I think you can leave your C-Card at home and work as a dive guide anywhere outside of the US. (Mostly only divemasters and instructors are wheel savy anymore).

It's easier to use and understand than the RDP, and if you want to go for your PADI Divemaster rating you will need to know it inside and out. If you want to do multi-level diving you may want to pony-up a few more dollars and look for a simple (air only, not integrated) reliable dive computer.

 

[scubatoys]

I guess I'd have to wonder why you would ask about the PADI WHEEL at an SSI SHOP? They have no incentive to say ANYTHING positive about anyone but their own agency.

In a nutshell, once you learn it, the Wheel is faster and easier to use than the traditional RDP. It is also the only logical way to calculate multilevel dives without a dive computer.

DSDO,

Well, actually, any problem that can be done on the wheel, can be done on a flat table... Just count a zero surface interval and take you pressure group in for a repetitive dive at the shallower depth, and viola.... same as doing the wheel, and you didn't spend 50 bucks for something you won't use.

 

[pete340]

Well, actually, any problem that can be done on the wheel, can be done on a flat table... Just count a zero surface interval and take you pressure group in for a repetitive dive at the shallower depth, and viola.... same as doing the wheel, and you didn't spend 50 bucks for something you won't use.

There are three things on the wheel that aren't on the tables: 5 ft. depth intervals, maximum depth for second and subsequent legs of a multilevel dive, and somewhat shortened NDLs for second and subsequent legs.

 

[jbd]

There are three things on the wheel that aren't on the tables: 5 ft. depth intervals,....

Out of curiosity--what is the signifigance of the 5 ft intervals?

While I have not seen every table ever made, the ones I have seen are all in 10 ft increments, which leads me to think that statistically there is no need to break the depths down in anything smaller than 10 feet increments.

 

[WileEDiver]

Out of curiosity--what is the signifigance of the 5 ft intervals?

Less unnecessary rounding. On the wheel, a 62' dive only needs to be rounded to 65' whereas on the table you'd need to round to 70'. So finer granularity means less over-conservatism.

 

[Damselfish]

Out of curiosity--what is the signifigance of the 5 ft intervals?

While I have not seen every table ever made, the ones I have seen are all in 10 ft increments, which leads me to think that statistically there is no need to break the depths down in anything smaller than 10 feet increments.

I'd think that was more a matter of real estate on the rectangular table - with 5 foot intervals it would have to be much bigger, or the printing would have to be even smaller.

 

[GrierHPharmD]

Tables? What are tables..hehe. I haven't seen them in 10 years!

You know, I still use my tables for dive planning. While I know that lots of folks think it's an outdated approach, I still think that there's a lot of value in knowing the NDL for your planned depth. In fact, I was just reading Scott Graver's book (used in YMCA OW courses, according to the cover), and it suggests drawing a little grid on your slate that includes the NDL for the next two depths and time categories, drawing them as a little matrix, just in case...

I guess I'm always trying to understand more and more about gas behavior in diving. It gets more and more interesting the further you go...

Just my $0.02,
Grier

 

[crpntr133]

what's the difference in the downloadable "shareware" version and the "full version" you get when you register?

If I remember right, you only get so many repetitive dives out of the program before it stops. You can do endless single dives and figure what pressure group you are in. I think that is it. It doesn't take long at all to download either, even on a dial up.
Hmmm, Larry posted and didn't say anything about getting the full version for free if you are a scubaboarder.

Correct me if I am wrong but the wheel is part of the Padi DM class. So can you request to be taught without taking the DM class? A DB of mine is taking the DM class and loves the wheel, now that he understands it.

 

[scubatoys]

If I remember right, you only get so many repetitive dives out of the program before it stops. You can do endless single dives and figure what pressure group you are in. I think that is it. It doesn't take long at all to download either, even on a dial up.
Hmmm, Larry posted and didn't say anything about getting the full version for free if you are a scubaboarder.

Correct me if I am wrong but the wheel is part of the Padi DM class. So can you request to be taught without taking the DM class? A DB of mine is taking the DM class and loves the wheel, now that he understands it.

Ok.. here you go... Yes, you can get an unlock code for your table tutor for free by just going through our check out process on the web page for buying it, make sure you give me your shareware number, then on the notes section... say that you are a scubaboard member, and we won't charge you the 14.95. This offer is good for anyone who does not own a Padi wheel. ;-)

 

[diverbob]

What I found with the Wheel going through my DMC class, is that there is a greater chance of error as well. Even doing practice problems in class, we would be argueing if the line was touching or piercing. I also heard this is the last year for the wheel. PADI is finally going to retire it.